What exactly is PAT testing?
Portable appliance testing or EET (Electrical Equipment Testing) is the process of checking portable electrical equipment for safety.
The inspector visually checks the cord, the plug top, and the appliance case for signs of damage or excessive wear. Electrical testing is also carried out on the appliance to ensure there is no risk of electrical shocks or shorting out.
Why should appliances be PAT / EET tested?
Landlords and Businesses have a responsibility to ensure that any appliances that are supplied are safe, in good condition and not likely to present a danger to the persons using them. Having a professional ELECTRICIAN IN PETERBOROUGH like MDS Electrical check your appliances is one way of ensuring that your duties are being fulfilled under the law and offers peace of mind that electrical safety is being maintained.
Insurance companies for commercial premises and rented premises may also wish to see that appliances are safety checked each year; you should check your policy wording to see if PAT testing is needed.
What is involved?
Appliances are visually inspected to ensure that:
- The leads are not damage or frayed, are of the right size for the appliance and no visible single wires are outside of the appliance or plug.
- The plug will be checked to ensure that the case is not cracked, the fuse is the right type, the wiring is suitably safe internally and there are no single colours of cable insulation visible.
- On class 1 appliances, the earth continuity will be checked between the earth pin of the plug and the appliance case
- An insulation resistance test will often be carried out on suitable equipment to ensure there are no faults internally on the wiring.
Can every appliance be fully PAT tested?
Some electrical equipment may be sensitive to the electrical testing that is carried out and, in these cases, limited testing will be carried out to avoid damaging the electrical equipment.
Each appliance will be tested to the full extent that is possible without incurring damage.
What paperwork will I receive?
You will usually receive:
- Itemised list of appliances tested detailing appliance type, model number, serial number, location, and description
- Electrical test results for each appliance tested
- List of any items that failed including the reasons for this
- Items will be marked with PASS or FAIL stickers on the plug and possibly the appliance body
What happens if items FAIL the testing?
Where appliances are deemed unsafe for continued use, you will be notified on the paperwork that is handed over. You can choose to have appliances repaired where viable and then get in touch for us to re-test them once repairs have been completed.
In some cases, it is more economically viable to replace cheaper appliances than to have repairs carried out.
How often should appliances be tested?
PAT testing should be carried out regularly with increased frequency in areas where equipment receives heavy use. The exact recommended test frequency of Electrical Equipment Testing can be found on the HSE website.
If you are unsure of the requirements that apply to you or your situation then please get in touch and we will advise what is needed in your circumstances.
As your local ELECTRICIAN IN PETERBOROUGH, we offer a wide range of electrical services including Pat Testing and Electrical Equipment Testing so if there is anything else you need check our services page.